Holiday Series #4: Best Holiday Gifts for your Budget

Best Holiday Gifts for Your Budget

Whether you have $20 to spend or $100, we've got beautiful gift ideas for everyone on your list this year

Mom, check. Husband, check. Sister, check. With these 20 gift ideas, you'll have everyone crossed off your list by early December. Pretty nice, huh? Check out this guide of our 20 favorite gifts to give this season, no matter how fat -- or thin -- your wallet might be. See gifts

(Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.)
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10 Best Beauty Budget Tips

10 Best Budget Beauty Tips

How to use household items (even leftovers!) to look gorgeous on the cheap

Does your tight budget make even drugstore beauty products a luxury? Don't fret. These bargain beauty tips will show you how to turn kitchen leftovers and more into everything you need to look great. Bonus: these tips all use natural ingredients -- good for you, good for the earth! See tips

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Mocha Moms National Conference, Chicago, and Lancôme

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly fabulous Friday!

I wanted to write this post sooner but I am beat! I had to travel to two different cities to give two presentations in two weeks. Between travel, speaking, work, kids, and writing obligations, I have not slept over 3 hours in 2 weeks! Whew! However, starting next week, I will be back to my regularly scheduled posts!

This past weekend I gave a presentation on "How to Live the Fabulous Life on a Budget" at the National Mocha Moms Conference. Mocha Moms is a non-profit organization that supports women who choose alternative work schedules or career paths to devote time to their families. The presentation went off without a hitch! The ladies loved the tips and even had some tips of their own to share. Here I am speaking.

I discussed thrift and consignment shopping, high end department store outlet shopping, how to purchase staple items on a dime, how to re-decorate your home for less, drugstore brand quality beauty products, and beauty gifts with purchases. You know I could not wait to share that I purchased my Target Thakoon dress for 40% off the regular price. Gotta love Target.

Lancôme graciously sponsored this presentation and provided all attendees with a full tube of Lancôme Hypnose Waterproof Mascara and a full tube of La Laque Fever Optical Rose lip gloss. The Optical Rose shade is a sparkly sheer pink gloss. I kid you not, it looks great on all skin tones! The ladies were going crazy over that lip gloss! It creates the perfect nude lip with a hint of sparkle! My friend Dawn is actually wearing it in this pic!

Now you all know how much I love Lancôme Defencils Mascara but Lancôme Hypnose is pretty darn good. This is a volumnizing mascara. The special patented brush builds your lashes with each stroke. I apply 2 coats and my lashes are nice and lush. However, I still love my Defencils. LOL! I coupled the Hypnose Mascara with Lancôme's Indigo Charm eyeliner for a night out on the town. I must say I look pretty hot! LOL!

Singer/Songwriter Angie Stone was the keynote speaker for our luncheon on Saturday. She shared her life story and how she has overcome pain, loss, and heartache. It was a truly inspirational speech.

Later that night, my friends and I partied the night away! Chicago is a lovely city. It is huge, but spaced out and very clean! Don't we look like we are having a good time!



Of course, I am not used to hanging out until 4 in the morning 3 nights straight. Here I am on the El train on my way back to the hotel after clubbing. I think you can stick a fork in me. I am done.


I hope you enjoyed this post! I had a ton of fun in Chicago! The ladies were awesome, Garrett's Popcorn scrumptious and Deep Dish Pizza is simply divine. Of course, nothing beats Michigan Ave. shopping! LOL!

Toodles!

Classic yet Stylish and Affordable Business Attire

Hello Divas!

I hope you are having a truly wonderful day. I am a true Polyvore Junkie. I just love creating outfits. I use Polyvore as my inspiration when planning for a trip or just creating a new wardrobe. Last week I gave a presentation at Georgia Tech on "Dressing For Success on a Budget." I created a set featuring stylish business attire that was super affordable. Except for the classic black pumps, all the items in this set are under $50! Wow! Like I say, everyone can live the luxe life affordably! Enjoy!

Toodles!

Business Attire by Luxetips featuring Vila blouses

Best Drugstore Finds!

Hello Divas!

Considering these tough economic times, we are all on a budget. Check out these fabulous drugstore beauty finds for less!

20 Best Drugstore Buys

Save money with cheaper (but just as effective) beauty products!

Aiming to improve your look and cut your budget? Do it wisely with honest feedback from your fellow shoppers. According to their beauty product reviews, these budget-friendly buys are your means to cosmetic and financial bliss. See products

20. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, $8.09

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9*

Why it's great: "I bought these wipes to do a 'once over' before cleansing and I will never be without them again!"

19. Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Washable Mascara, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*

Why it's great: "I've spent top dollar on mascaras -- but I keep coming back to this."

Want to see what's #1? Click here!